My Gutsy Story Anthology!

You simply MUST check out this new book by Sonia Marsh, author of Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family's Year of Gusty Living on a Tropical Island.  My Gutsy Story Anthology is the second book in her anthology series which is a collection of inspirational short stories submitted to Sonia's blog, Gutsy Living.

Sonia Marsh uprooted her family and spent a year living in Belize where her entire family learned a whole new way of living, as well as, a whole new appreciation for the things that so many of us take for granted.  Her blog, Gutsy Living, started as a working palette for her book, Freeways.  She received a flood of "you go, girl" responses from readers regarding her story. In addition her readers began relating gutsy stories of their own. She asked her readers to write about their experiences and submit them for posting on her blog.  From there, the submissions were compiled into My Gutsy Story Anthology (number one). As more stories have been submitted a second anthology (this one) was published.  A third is in the works as we speak (or read)! Please check out her books on Amazon where you will learn about Sonia, and the very inspiring stories she has chosen to publish. 

Sonia has been an incredible source of inspiration and encouragement for me and my writing.  She is always on the prowl for writing tools, classes, and events to help aspiring authors improve their talents.  There is always someone giving a talk on "how to" or "how I did" become a successful writer, and Sonia makes sure that everyone knows when and where the talk will take place! If she only lived in Chicago....

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  And please take a few minutes to check out her books...especially this one...you may just recognize the name of one of the authors...on page 17!

FF - Feeling Pretty Good!

I feel good...na na na na na na na...
Like I knew that I would...na na na na na na na!
So good...so good...that I got you!

Oh James, your music is ageless and classic!  My grand kids will be lip syncing to your songs at their school variety shows! Thank you for your talents and gifts!

I am amazed at how music can affect my moods, especially when I having trouble finding my happy place.  Music always brings me to that place.  How about you?  I love how some songs will bring out some of my best memories, and then others just make me want to throw up.  I only play the feel good songs while I'm driving in my car!

My place of work has several tracts of background music playing at all times.  Sometimes the songs are country or patriotic, but lately most of the music has been 60's, 70's and 80's. I find that  my work is a happy place when the music reminds me of my misguided youth!  All of those crazy "fall-in-love" songs, or dance party music...the parties where some of us played those kissing games!  Oh, to be 14 again!

In addition to music, I'm always looking for inspiration and motivation.  One of my (and I have several) addictions is the "face" book thing!  It is so bad, that I have to put the kitchen timer on to let me know when my "time" is up for this session.  But I must say that this particular media site has brought me back in touch with many childhood friends, as well as, a form of communication (okay, okay...a peek at who is doing what) with my kids who are 300 miles away.

I came across a site that has been around for a few years, but new to me.  It's called "Queen of Your Own Life" and is my favorite "go to and feel good" site.  It was started a few years ago by two very gifted women who wanted to help women learn to become empowered.  Kathy Kinney and Cindy Ratzlaff have written books about being Queen of your life.  In addition, their blog is filled with all sorts of fun information!

They frequently post on the face place with vintage pictures of women and a sentence or two about finding the courage, strength and desire to have a more fulfilling life. I can't say enough about how their posts have influenced and encouraged me to get out there and find joy in my day...every day!  Stop by and see for yourself!

This post is offered as part of Friday Fragments, a delightful weekly place where I love to visit!  Just click on the logo below and see what other friends of this site are doing!

Have a glorious and royal weekend...and thanks for stopping by!

Gettin' Gutsy

I would love to introduce you to an author, blogger (some of you already know her), mom, event planner and all the other hats that we wear! Her name is Sonia Marsh, and her site is Gutsy Living.  Please click on the site name and check out some exciting things going on, like her Gutsy Story of the week (no plug intended), as well as prior Gutsy stories, her recent posts about an upcoming event for a Gutsy Story Anthology made up of stories submitted by writers from around the world, AND, more importantly, her book, "Freeways to Flip-Flops," which started it all.  She is a genuine and lovely woman, full of courage, strength and inspiration. I am sure you will be impressed and fall in love with this lady, just as I have.

I recently submitted a piece for her Gutsy Story segment and was elated that it was accepted.  I am honored to be considered, along with so many other courageous and inspiring writers.  Please visit this wonderful site and you will be awed at the level of fearlessness and power that is shared through the stories she has posted.

Thanks so much for stopping by!